Smart height safety system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a smart hook, a safety harness module, and associated electronic components that detect a safety state of a user by monitoring various parameters at the smart hook and safety harness module and determining whether the user is using proper safety protocol at extreme heights and/or whether the user has experienced a height-related accident. In an illustrative example, the user may don a safety harness that may include a module that contains sensors that monitor an acceleration/velocity/position of the user and/or ambient air pressure around the user. The module may receive wireless signals from at least one rebar hook having sensors that monitor the acceleration/velocity/position and gate position of the rebar hooks. A controller included with the safety harness module may use these sensors to advantageously determine the safety state of the user and generate alert/warning signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/315,227, filed Jan. 4, 2019 and entitled “SmartHeight Safety System,” which is a National Stage Entry of InternationalPatent Application Serial No. PCT/CN2017/107990, filed Oct. 27, 2017 andentitled “Smart Height Safety System,” the entire disclosures of each ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entiretiesfor all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate generally to personal protective equipment.

BACKGROUND

Workers who perform construction, repairs, and maintenance high abovethe ground expose themselves to a number of risks. For example, amaintenance worker climbing up a cell tower may reach heights of 200,400, 500, or more feet. Falling from such heights can result in severeif not fatal injuries to the worker. Various types of protection andsafety equipment have been developed to reduce the risk associated withworking at such extreme heights.

One such type of safety equipment is a body safety harness. A worker maydon a safety harness that may have coupling members to anchor the workerto a fixed point when working at extreme heights. For example, a safetyharness may be coupled to a double lanyard that may have hooks that canreleasably attach the worker to a stable beam or structure. When asafety worker uses the double lanyard hooks correctly, the worker maysignificantly reduce the risk of a height-related injury.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a smart hook, a safetyharness module, and associated electronic components that detect asafety state of a user by monitoring various parameters at the smarthook and safety harness module and determining whether the user is usingproper safety protocol at extreme heights and/or whether the user hasexperienced a height-related accident. In an illustrative example, theuser may don a safety harness that may include a module that containssensors that monitor an acceleration/velocity/position of the userand/or ambient air pressure around the user. The module may receivewireless signals from at least one rebar hook having sensors thatmonitor the acceleration/velocity/position and gate position of therebar hooks. A controller included with the safety harness module mayuse these sensors to advantageously determine the safety state of theuser and generate alert/warning signals.

Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example,some embodiments may remind a user that they are not properly using therebar hooks, for example, by activating a buzzer or alarm on the user'ssafety harness. A warning/alert signal indicative of improper use of therebar hooks may be sent from the safety harness module to a remotecomputing device of a supervisor, advantageously notifying them thattheir worker is not abiding by proper safety protocol. Safetyinfractions may be recorded in a database so the supervisor can easilymonitor statics and identification of which workers are consistentlyviolating proper safety measures at elevation. In some examples, if ithas been determined that a user has been involved in an accident (e.g.,has fallen), an emergency signal may automatically be generated and sentto a hospital or other emergency response service so that immediateassistance can be given to the user. In some embodiments, various datasignals may be sent wirelessly, thus avoiding any potential dangerassociated with a user being hindered by wired connections. In variousembodiments, real-time data may be transmitted from the safety harnessmodule to a remote computing device that may advantageously allow forreal-time monitoring of users as they are working on a cell tower orother tall structure.

According to some embodiments, a safety monitoring apparatus can beprovided that comprises a monitoring module configured to couple to asafety harness. The monitoring module can comprise a main accelerationsensor, an air pressure sensor, a controller coupled to the mainacceleration sensor and configured to receive sensor readings from themain acceleration sensor, the controller also coupled to the airpressure sensor and configured to receive sensor readings from the airpressure sensor, a receiver coupled to the controller, and a first rebarhook. The first rebar hook can comprise a first acceleration sensor, afirst hook sensor configured to detect an open-closed state of the firstrebar hook, and a first rebar hook transmitter coupled to the firstacceleration sensor and first hook sensor, the first rebar hooktransmitter configured to transmit sensor readings from the firstacceleration sensor and the first hook sensor to the receiver of themonitoring module. The first rebar hook can be configured to couple to adistal end of a lanyard. The lanyard can be configured to couple at aproximal end to the safety harness. The first hook sensor can comprise amagnetic field sensor. The first rebar hook can further comprise a firstmagnetic field generator that cooperates with the first hook sensor todetect the open-closed state of the first rebar hook. The monitoringmodule can further comprise a main transmitter coupled to the controllerand configured to transmit signals to a remote computing device. Themagnetic field sensor can comprise a Hall-effect sensor.

The monitoring module can further comprise a non-transitory computerreadable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising: determining whethervertical sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have changedmore than a minimum amount over a predetermined period of time, in aninstance in which the sensor readings from the main acceleration sensorhave changed more than a minimum amount over a predetermined period oftime, then assuming that a worker wearing the safety harness is in avertical moving position, recording the changes in the open-closedstates of the first hook sensor over a time span, determining whether achange in height as measured by the air pressure sensor has changed bymore than a threshold height amount over the time span, and, in aninstance in which the change in height as measured by the air pressuresensor has changed by more than a threshold height amount over the timespan, then generating a violation signal indicative of the workerimproperly using the first rebar hook.

The monitoring module can further comprise a non-transitory computerreadable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising: determining whethervertical sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have changedmore than a minimum amount over a predetermined period of time, in aninstance in which the sensor readings from the main acceleration sensorhave not changed more than a minimum amount over a predetermined periodof time, then assuming that a worker wearing the safety harness is in ahorizontal moving position, determining whether an acceleration readingof the main acceleration sensor is substantially the same as anacceleration reading of the first acceleration sensor, and, in aninstance in which an acceleration reading of the main accelerationsensor is substantially the same as an acceleration reading of the firstacceleration sensor, then generating a violation signal indicative ofthe worker improperly using the first rebar hook.

The monitoring module can further comprise a non-transitory computerreadable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising: determining whether thevertical sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have beensubstantially equal to a local gravitational acceleration for more thana predetermined period of time, in an instance in which the verticalsensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have beensubstantially equal to a local gravitational acceleration for more thana predetermined period of time, then assuming that a worker wearing thesafety harness has fallen, and transmitting to the remote computingdevice, via the main transmitter, an alert signal indicating that theworker wearing the safety harness has fallen.

The main transmitter can be configured to wirelessly transmit the sensorreadings from the main acceleration sensor, the first accelerationsensor, and the first hook sensor to the remote computing device. Themain transmitter can be configured to wirelessly transmit signals to theremote computing device via a radio frequency channel. The first rebarhook transmitter can be configured to transmit sensor readings from thefirst acceleration sensor and first hook sensor to the receiver of themonitoring module via a Bluetooth wireless channel.

According to other embodiments, a safety monitoring apparatus can beprovided that comprises a monitoring module configured to couple to asafety harness. The monitoring module can comprise: a main accelerationsensor, a controller coupled to the main acceleration sensor andconfigured to receive sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor,a receiver coupled to the controller, and a first rebar hook. The firstrebar hook can comprise: a first acceleration sensor, a first hooksensor configured to detect an open-closed state of the first rebarhook, and a first rebar hook transmitter coupled to the firstacceleration sensor and first hook sensor, the first rebar hooktransmitter configured to transmit sensor readings from the firstacceleration sensor and the first hook sensor to the receiver of themonitoring module. The first rebar hook can be configured to couple to adistal end of a lanyard. The lanyard can be configured to couple at aproximal end to the safety harness. The first hook sensor can comprise amagnetic field sensor. The first rebar hook can further comprise a firstmagnetic field generator that cooperates with the first hook sensor todetect the open-closed state of the first rebar hook. The monitoringmodule can further comprise a main transmitter coupled to the controllerand configured to transmit signals to a remote computing device. Themagnetic field sensor can comprise a Hall-effect sensor.

The main transmitter can be configured to wirelessly transmit the sensorreadings from the main acceleration sensor, the first accelerationsensor, and the first hook sensor to the remote computing device. Themain transmitter can be configured to wirelessly transmit signals to theremote computing device via a radio frequency channel. The first rebarhook transmitter can be configured to transmit sensor readings from thefirst acceleration sensor and first hook sensor to the receiver of themonitoring module via a Bluetooth wireless channel.

According to other embodiments, a safety monitoring apparatus can beprovided that comprises: a monitoring module configured to couple to asafety harness. The monitoring module can comprise: a main accelerationsensor, a controller coupled to the main acceleration sensor andconfigured to receive sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor,a receiver coupled to the controller, and a first rebar hook. The firstrebar hook can comprise: a first acceleration sensor, a sensorconfigured to detect an open-closed state of the first rebar hook, and afirst rebar hook transmitter coupled to the first acceleration sensor.The first rebar hook transmitter can be configured to transmit sensorreadings from the first acceleration sensor to the receiver of themonitoring module. The first rebar hook transmitter can also beconfigured to transmit the open-closed state of the first rebar hook tothe receiver of the monitoring module. The first rebar hook can beconfigured to couple to a distal end of a lanyard. The lanyard can beconfigured to couple at a proximal end to the safety harness. The firsthook sensor can comprise a magnetic field sensor. The first rebar hookcan further comprise a first magnetic field generator that cooperateswith the first hook sensor to detect the open-closed state of the firstrebar hook. The monitoring module can further comprise a maintransmitter coupled to the controller and configured to transmit signalsto a remote computing device. The main transmitter can be configured towirelessly transmit signals to the remote computing device via a radiofrequency channel. The magnetic field sensor can comprise a Hall-effectsensor.

The monitoring module can further comprise a non-transitory computerreadable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising: determining whethervertical sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have changedmore than a minimum amount over a predetermined period of time, in aninstance in which the sensor readings from the main acceleration sensorhave changed more than a minimum amount over a predetermined period oftime, then assuming that a worker wearing the safety harness is in avertical moving position, recording the changes in the open-closedstates of the first hook sensor over a time span, determining whether achange in height as measured by the air pressure sensor has changed bymore than a threshold height amount over the time span, and, in aninstance in which the change in height as measured by the air pressuresensor has changed by more than a threshold height amount over the timespan, then generating a violation signal indicative of the workerimproperly using the first rebar hook.

The monitoring module can further comprise a non-transitory computerreadable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising: determining whethervertical sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have changedmore than a minimum amount over a predetermined period of time, in aninstance in which the sensor readings from the main acceleration sensorhave not changed more than a minimum amount over a predetermined periodof time, then assuming that a worker wearing the safety harness is in ahorizontal moving position, determining whether an acceleration readingof the main acceleration sensor is substantially the same as anacceleration reading of the first acceleration sensor, and, in aninstance in which an acceleration reading of the main accelerationsensor is substantially the same as an acceleration reading of the firstacceleration sensor, then generating a violation signal indicative ofthe worker improperly using the first rebar hook.

The monitoring module can further comprise a non-transitory computerreadable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising: determining whether thevertical sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have beensubstantially equal to a local gravitational acceleration for more thana predetermined period of time; in an instance in which the verticalsensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have beensubstantially equal to a local gravitational acceleration for more thana predetermined period of time, then assuming that a worker wearing thesafety harness has fallen; and transmitting to the remote computingdevice, via the main transmitter, an alert signal indicating that theworker wearing the safety harness has fallen.

In some embodiments, the main transmitter can be configured towirelessly transmit the sensor readings from the main accelerationsensor, the first acceleration sensor, and the first hook sensor to theremote computing device.

The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary radio tower scenariofor an exemplary smart safety harness and exemplary smart rebar hooks.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an exemplary smart safety harness andsmart rebar hooks, along with an exemplary remote computing device.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary safety monitoring system.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D depict various views of an exemplary smartrebar hook along with an exemplary micro-switch.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict side views of an exemplary smart rebar hookhaving a magnetic field sensor.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective zoomed-in view of an exemplary smart rebarhook having a magnetic field sensor.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal movementscenario for exemplary smart safety harness and smart rebar hooks.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary fall scenario.

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary safety system decision tree.

FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary user moving conditiondecision tree.

FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary user fall decision tree.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary smart hook system, anexemplary smart safety harness system, and an exemplary supervisorymonitoring system.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary fall protection andsafety monitoring engine.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary radio tower scenariofor an exemplary smart safety harness and exemplary smart rebar hooks. Ause case scenario 100 has a setting of a radio station tower 105. Theradio station tower 105 is shown with a worker 110 climbing up the tower105 to perform routine maintenance on the tower 105. The worker 110 iswearing a safety harness 115 that is used to prevent falling accidentswhen the worker 110 is on the tower 105. Coupled to the safety harness115 are two rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b. In the illustration of FIG. 1 ,the worker 110 is selectively attaching the two rebar hooks 120 a and120 b to various anchor points on the tower 105. If the worker 110 isanchored to the tower 105 via the rebar hooks and a fall occurs, theworker 110 will only fall a limited distance, thus preventing seriousinjury to the worker 110. The rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b includevarious electronic components that may measure various parameters usedto determine the state of the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b.

Disposed on the safety harness 115 is a module 125. The module 125includes various electronic components that may measure variousparameters used to determine the state of the worker 110. Thesemeasurements may advantageously be used in determining whether theworker 110 is moving vertically or horizontally, or whether the worker110 has had an accident, such as falling off of the tower 105. Themodule 125 also includes a receiver that can receive wireless datasignals. For example, the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b may include atransmitter that may transmit data to the receiver of the module 125.The module 125 may also include a transmitter that can transmit wirelessdata signals to a remote computing device.

In some embodiments, the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b may transmitsignals to the module 125 via a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connection130. In various examples, the module 125 may transmit signals via awireless (e.g., radio frequency) link 135 to a ground station 140. Theground station 140 includes a remote computing device 145 that receivesthe wireless signals transmitted from the module 125. For example, thedata collected at the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b may be transmitted tothe module 125. The module 125 then forwards this data, along with dataas measured at the module 125, to the remote computing device 145. Thesedata transmissions may advantageously allow a supervisor using theremote computing device 145 to monitor the state of the worker 110 asthey are maneuvering and performing repairs on the tower 105.

The remote computing device 145 may communicate with a cloud data system150 via a data link 155 (e.g., 2G, 3G, or 4G wireless standard). Datameasured at the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b and the module 125 may beforwarded to the cloud data system 150, which may log this data in adatabase. In some embodiments, the module 125, the remote computingdevice 145, and/or the cloud data system 150 may perform variousprocessing steps on the data collected at the rebar hooks 120 a and 120b and the module 125. For example, the module 125 may performcalculations on data received from the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b todetermine whether the worker 110 is properly using the rebar hooks 120 aand 120 b. In some examples, the remote computing device 145 may use thedata collected at the module 125 and the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b todetermine whether the worker 110 has had an accident. If the remotecomputing device 145 determines that the worker has fallen, the remotecomputing device 145 may send an alert signal to the cloud data system150.

It may be very dangerous for the worker 110 to climb the tower 105without using the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b. The worker 110 may giveup using the rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b because using them maysignificantly decrease the worker's climbing speed. Accordingly, themodule 125 may advantageously remind the worker 110 to properly use therebar hooks 120 a and 120 b. The rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b and themodule 125 may also monitor the worker 110 to ensure they are using thecorrect safety operations. The rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b and themodule 125 may be portable and may advantageously operate easily for theworker safety.

The rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b and the module 125 may remind a user tocorrectly use a lanyard connected to the safety harness 115. Thesereminders may be used, for example, when the worker 110 is climbing ordescending the tower 105. The worker 110 may use the lanyard coupled tothe rebar hooks 120 a and 120 b as anchor connection when climbing ordescending. While the worker 110 is shifting horizontal, at least onerebar hook 120 a or 120 b may be anchored over the worker's chest pointto provide for an adequate fall protection factor. When the worker 110happens to fall, the module 125 may broadcast a “man-down” signal toapprise a supervisor, for example, that a fall has taken place and thatrescue personnel should respond as soon as possible.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an exemplary smart safety harness andsmart rebar hooks, along with an exemplary remote computing device. Thesmart safety harness system 200 includes a safety harness 205. Disposedon the safety harness 205 is a module C. The module C may have variouselectronic components to collect, receive, and transmit parametric data.In some embodiments, the module C may be located on the chest section ofthe safety harness 205. Locating the module C on the chest section ofthe safety harness 205 may advantageously provide for a central locationfor the electronic components of the module C to accurately measure thestate of a worker wearing the safety harness 205. The module C may alsoprocess the data collected at the module C to determine whether a workerwearing the safety harness 205 has fallen.

The safety harness 205 is coupled to a proximal end of a double lanyard210. The double lanyard 210 has distal ends that couple to respectiverebar hooks 215 a and 215 b. Each rebar hook 215 a and 215 b has arespective hook module A and B. The hook modules A and B have electroniccomponents to transmit parametric data to the module C. The module C mayprocess this parametric data to determine whether a user is properlyusing the rebar hooks 215 a and 215 b.

Remote from the safety harness 205 is a remote device D. The remotedevice D is a remote computing device configured to receive data signalsfrom the module C. In some examples, the data collected at the modulesA, B, and C may be forwarded to remote device D. The remote device D mayprocess this data to determine whether a user is properly using therebar hooks 215 a and 215 b, or whether a worker wearing the safetyharness 205 has been involved in an accident. In some examples, theremote device D may receive post-processed data from the module C. Forexample, the module C may itself determine whether a worker wearing thesafety harness 205 has fallen, and may send an alert signal to theremote device D if it is determined that a fall has taken place.

The hook modules A and B may be installed in or may be bonded withrespective hooks 215 a or 215 b of the double lanyard 210. The hookmodules A and B may include sensors (e.g., gyroscope, Hall-effectsensor, micro-switch) which can be used to detect the state of the hooks215 a or 215 b. In some examples, the sensors in the hook modules A or Bmay detect opening of a hook gate, along with the hook's movement. Thehook modules A and B may also possess signal sending functions (e.g.,via Bluetooth low energy), as well as a battery to power variouselectronic components.

The module C may be bonded with the safety harness 205 or sewn into thecloth of the safety harness 205. The module C may include sensors (e.g.,gyroscope (9-axis to measure speed/acceleration), air-pressure sensor)which may be used to measure the movement and/or height changes of aworker wearing the safety harness 205. The module C may possess signalreceiving/transmission functions to receive data signals from the hookmodules A and B and to transmit data signals to the remote device D. Themodule C may also have a battery and a warning element (e.g., a buzzer)to notify a worker wearing the safety harness 205 that they are notproperly using the rebar hooks 215 a and 215 b. A GPS system may also beincluded with the module C to track the location of the worker wearingthe safety harness 205.

The remote device D may be a remote computing device (e.g., a smartphone). The remote device D may include signal receiving/transmittingfunctions to receive data signals from the module C, and transmit datasignals to a cloud data system. The remote device D may also include analert/warning function that may notify a user of remote device D. A GPSsystem may also be included with the remote device D.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary safety monitoring system.A safety monitoring system 300 includes worker equipment 305. The workerequipment 305 may include rebar hooks having respective hook modules Aand B. The data collected at hook modules A and B may be transmitted(e.g., via Bluetooth low energy) to a module C. In some examples, themodule C is located on a worker's safety harness. In some embodiments,the module C may be attached elsewhere on a worker's body (e.g., helmet,chest, back).

The module C may transmit data to remote devices D and/or E at an onsitelocation 310. In some examples, the remote device D may be a smartphone.The remote device E may receive data signals from the module C via aWiFi connection. In various examples, the remote device E may be a radiofrequency receiver. The remote device E may receive signals from themodule C via a radio frequency connection. The remote device E maytransmit data signals to the remote device D via, for example, aBluetooth low energy connection.

The remote device D may communicate with a cloud server 315 (e.g., over2G, 3G, or 4G). For example, received signals from the module C may beforwarded on to the cloud server 315 via the remote device D. The cloudserver 315 may log data received from remote device D in a database. Insome examples, the remote device D may transmit warning and/or alertsignals to the cloud server 315 if, for example, a worker has fallen onsite. In some embodiments, the remote device E may communicate with acloud server 315.

The cloud server 315 may communicate with various entities 320. Forexample, the cloud server 315 may send warning or alert signals to ahealth, safety, and environment (HSE) department. The HSE department mayuse these warning or alert signals to inform other entities (e.g.,rescue, first aid, local HQ) of an accident involving a worker using theworker equipment 305. In some examples, a warning reminder may be sentto the cloud server 315, and the cloud server 315 may inform specificentities 320 about the relevant risk, or the entities 320 may link tothe cloud server 315 to be made aware of any updates.

The module C, remote devices D or E, and/or the cloud server 315 mayperform any of the following safety functions/calculations: (1) detectif a worker is properly using the double lanyard hooks while climbing ordescending; (2) detect if a worker is properly using the rebar hook toprotect themselves while shifting horizontally; (3) detect if anaccident happens onsite (e.g., man-down); (4) remind a worker to followproper safety rules; (5) inform an onsite supervisor that a worker isnot following the rules; and (6) remind entities of the relevantrisks/warnings/alerts.

In addition, various components of the safety monitoring system 300 mayperform the following functions: (1) perform fall accident detecting andrescue reminding (e.g., detect if the worker has fallen from a dangerousheight); (2) detect use/non-use of lanyard/hooks in climb or descend andwarning reminding (e.g., determining if the worker is moving vertically,determining if the rebar hook is opened or not, determining if the rebarhook is being carried with the body or not); (3) detect use/non-use oflanyard/hooks in side move and warning reminder (e.g., detect if theworker is moving horizontally, detect if the rebar hook is being carriedwith the body or not); (4) transmit data between modules A/B/C/D/E; (5)check the status of the smart safety harness system (e.g., detect thestatus of transmission issues and battery volume); and (6)warning/alerts on modules C/D/E.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D depict various views of an exemplary smartrebar hook along with an exemplary micro-switch. FIG. 4A shows a rebarhook 400 in a “closed” state. The rebar hook 400 includes a hook section405 and a gate section 410. The gate section 410 is hingedly coupled tothe hook section 405, such that a user can selectively open the rebarhook 400 to couple or decouple the rebar hook 400 from an anchor point.The rebar hook 400 includes various electronic components (e.g.,switches and/or sensors, such as acceleration sensor) that couple to atransmitter 415 via a wired connection 420. The sensors may collect datapertaining to the state of the rebar hook 400, which may then betransmitted via the transmitter 415 to another location (e.g., to themodule C, as described above).

Also included with the rebar hook 400 is a micro-switch 425 that detectsthe opening/closing of the rebar hook 400, as shown in FIG. 4B. In thisillustrative embodiment, the micro-switch 425 is located inside of thegate section 410, such that when the gate section 410 is in an openstate (FIG. 4D), the micro-switch 425 is in a first state, and when thegate section 410 is in a closed state (FIG. 4A), the micro-switch 425 isin a second state. Data signals indicative of these first and secondstates may be transmitted to the transmitter 415, which may forward thisstate information on to, for example, the module C.

FIG. 4C shows an exemplary micro-switch 425 that includes a pivot plate430. When the pivot plate 430 is pressed down, it activates a switch435. The switch 435 is therefore in either the first state (hinge plateshut) or second state (hinge plate open). The state information of theswitch 435 may be measured at the electrical leads 440, which may becoupled to the transmitter 415 via the wired connection 420.

Such a configuration may advantageously allow for detection of gateopen/closed states of the rebar hook 400. In some examples, thetransmitter 415 may receive the state information from micro-switch 425and send the state information to the module C. In various embodiments,the micro-switch 425 may be bonded inside the gate section 410.

FIG. 4D shows an “open” state of the rebar hook 400. The hook section405 and the gate section 410 are pressed together by a user's hand 445.When this occurs, the micro-switch 425 (located in the gate section 410)will be in the first state (hinge plate shut) due to engagement with anopposing side of the hook 405. The transmitter 415 may receive anelectrical signal indicative of this change in the state of themicro-switch 425, and send the state information to the module C.

In some examples, the sensors and/or switches may be disposed elsewhereon or in the rebar hook 400. For example, the switch may be located onthe inside of the hook section 405. A sensor may be integrally formedwith the rebar hook 400, to minimize noise due to jiggling.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict side views of an exemplary smart rebar hookhaving a magnetic field sensor. A rebar hook 500 includes a hook section505 and a gate section 510 hingedly coupled to the hook section 505.Coupled to both the hook section 505 and the gate section 510 is a hingeplate 520 hingedly coupled to the hook section 505. Located on the gatesection 510 is a sensor housing 515. The sensor housing contains amagnetic field sensor/chip (not shown) that can measure the localmagnetic field strength. Disposed in or on the hinge plate 520 is amagnetic field generator (not shown). When the rebar hook 500transitions between a “closed” state (e.g., FIG. 5A) and an “open” state(e.g., FIG. 5B), the magnetic field sensor detects a change in themagnetic field strength due to the magnetic field generator either beingfar away from, or close to the magnetic field sensor.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective zoomed-in view of an exemplary smart rebarhook having a magnetic field sensor. The rebar hook 500 includes thehook section 505, the gate section 510, the sensor housing 515, and thehinge plate 520 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B).

In this illustrative embodiment, located in the sensor housing 515 is amagnetic field sensor 605. The magnetic field sensor 605 is configuredto detect the magnetic field produced by a magnetic field generator 610.In this exemplary depiction, the magnetic field generator 610 isdisposed on the bottom inside section of the hinge plate 520. In thisconfiguration, when the gate section 510 is opened, the magnetic fieldsensor 605 and the magnetic field generator 610 may approach oneanother, such that the magnetic flux in the vicinity of the magneticfield sensor 605 may measurably increase. This configuration mayadvantageously detect of the state of the gate section 510 of the rebarhook 500 (e.g., open, closed).

Also located in the sensor housing 515 is an acceleration sensor 620.The acceleration sensor 620 measures the acceleration of the rebar hook500. The magnetic field sensor 605 and acceleration sensor 620 areelectrically coupled to a wireless transmitter 625. The output of thesensors 605 and 620 is communicated to the wireless transmitter 625,which transmits these sensor outputs to another device (e.g., module C).In some examples, the wireless transmitter 625 is a Bluetooth modulewith a CPU and wireless function. The wireless transmitter 625 may bemounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is located within thesensor housing 515. The acceleration sensor 620 may also be mounted onthe PCB.

The sensor housing 515 further includes a battery cover 615 forprotecting a battery (not shown). The battery may provide power to themagnetic field sensor 605, the acceleration sensor 620, and/or thewireless transmitter 625.

In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 605 may not be limited toa specific type of magnetic field sensor. For example, the magneticfield sensor 605 may be any of the following types of magnetic fieldsensors: Hall effect sensor, magneto-diode, magneto-transistor, AMRmagnetometer, GMR magnetometer, magnetic tunnel junction magnetometer,magneto-optical sensor, Lorentz force based MEMS sensor, ElectronTunneling based MEMS sensor, MEMS compass, Nuclear precession magneticfield sensor, optically pumped magnetic field sensor, fluxgatemagnetometer, search coil magnetic field sensor, magneto-resistivesensor, TMR sensor, or SQUID magnetometer.

In various examples, the magnetic field generator 610 may not be limitedto a specific type of magnetic field generator. For example, themagnetic field generator 610 may be a permanent magnet, electromagnet,or other magnetizable material.

In some examples, the magnetic field sensor 605, battery, magnetic fieldgenerator 610, acceleration sensor 620, and/or the wireless transmitter625 may be located elsewhere on or in the rebar hook 500. For example,the locations of magnetic field sensor 605 and magnetic field generator610 may be reversed from the locations depicted in FIG. 6 . In someembodiments, the magnetic field sensor 605 may be disposed near the tipof the gate section 510, while the magnetic field generator 610 may bedisposed on an opposing inner surface of the hook section 505.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal movementscenario for exemplary smart safety harness and smart rebar hooks. A usecase scenario 700 has a setting of a radio station tower 705. The radiostation tower 705 is shown with a worker 710 moving horizontally on thetower 705 to perform routine maintenance. The worker 710 is wearing asafety harness 715 that may be used to prevent falling accidents whenthe worker is on the tower 705. Coupled to the safety harness 715 aretwo rebar hooks 720 a and 720 b having respective hook modules A and B.In the illustration of FIG. 7 , the worker 710 is has attached one ofthe rebar hooks 720 a to a support rope 725 fixedly coupled to the tower705. The hook modules A and B on the respective rebar hooks 720 a and720 b include sensors that may measure various parameters used todetermine the state of the rebar hooks 720 a and 720 b. For example,each hook module A and B may include an acceleration sensor to measurethe acceleration of each rebar hook 720 a and 720 b.

Disposed on the safety harness 715 is a module C. The module C includesat least one sensor that may measure various parameters used todetermine the state of the worker 710. For example, the module C mayinclude an acceleration sensor to measure the acceleration of the worker710. These measurements may advantageously be used in determiningwhether the horizontally moving worker 710 is following properhorizontal movement procedure (e.g., whether the worker 710 is properlycoupling the rebar hook 720 to the support rope 725). The module Cincludes a receiver that can receive wireless signals transmitted fromthe modules A and B on the rebar hooks 720 a and 720 b, respectively.The module C may also include a transmitter that can transmit wirelesssignals to a device associated with an onsite supervisor 730 (e.g.,devices D and/or E in FIG. 2 ). This may advantageously allow for asupervisor using the device D to monitor the state of the worker 710 asthey are performing repairs on the tower 705.

The devices D and/or E may communicate with a cloud system 735 via, forexample, a wireless (e.g., 2G, 3G, or 4G) link. Data recorded by thesensors in the rebar hooks 720 a and 720 b and the module C may beforwarded to the cloud data system 735, which may log this data in adatabase.

Also located on the worker is a module F that may have similarfunctionality to the module C. For example, the module F may have asensor(s) (e.g., acceleration sensor), a receiver, and/or a transmitterto receive data signals from the modules A and B and transmit datasignals to the devices D and/or E. In some examples, the module F may beused in lieu of the module C (or vice-versa). In various embodiments,the module F may be the same as the module C, but just disposed in adifferent location relative to the worker 710.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary fall scenario. A fallscenario 800 includes a worker in an unbalanced state 805 a. The workerin an unbalanced state 805 a is beginning to lose their balance on abeam 810. The worker is coupled to an anchor point 815 via a lanyard820. When the worker loses their balance on the beam 810, they start tofall, and transition to a falling state 805 b. The worker continues tofall, until the slack in the lanyard runs out. At this point, the workerreaches a final fall state 805 c, where the worker is dangling from theanchor point 815 and experiencing oscillating pendulum motion 825.

Throughout this falling motion, the module 830 is actively measuringvarious parameters associated with the falling worker. For example, themodule may have an acceleration sensor that may detect the accelerationof the worker. The module may include an air-pressure sensor thatmeasures the air pressure in the local vicinity of the worker, which maybe used to calculate changes in the worker's height. These measurementsmay be used to detect when a fall has taken place. For example, if theacceleration sensor measures an acceleration in the z-axis substantiallyequal to the acceleration due to gravity (e.g., acceleration≈g=9.8 m/s²)over a certain period of time, it may be assumed that the worker hasfallen. The phrase “substantially equal to” in this context may mean onthe order of +/−50% of the value of g. In some examples, after theworker reaches the final fall state 805 c, the worker may swing back andforth in the air. This oscillatory motion may be detected by theacceleration sensor, and may also indicate that the worker has fallen.

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary safety system decision tree.A safety system decision tree 900 starts at step 905, which determineswhether a worker is climbing or descending. If it is determined that theworker is neither climbing nor descending, then at step 910 the currentair pressure (as measured by an air pressure sensor on/in module C) isset as a baseline. If it is determined that the worker is climbing ordescending (e.g., because the air pressure has changed a minimum amountduring a given time period), then step 915 determines whether the workeris using a double lanyard. If it is determined that the worker is usingthe double lanyard, then at step 920 the air pressure baseline is timelyrenewed/updated as the worker is climbing/descending.

If it is determined that the worker is not using the double lanyard(e.g., because there has been no change in the micro-switch signalduring a minimum change in altitude as measured by the air pressuresensor), then at step 925 an alarm (e.g., buzzer) starts onsite untilthe rebar hook is opened. In some examples, the determination of whetherthe worker is using the double lanyard may be based on changes in a hookgate sensor signal (e.g., magnetic field sensor 605). The alarm mayadvantageously remind the worker to use proper hook/lanyard protocol. Ifthe alarm is on for more than a given period of time (e.g., over Zminutes), then at step 930 an alert signal is sent to the supervisoralerting them that the worker is not using the double lanyard properlywhile climbing/descending. This alert signal may advantageously notifythe supervisor that one of their subordinates is not using properhook/lanyard protocol.

The baseline set and renewed in steps 910 may be used in calculating an“air pressure change during X seconds,” or in calculating “Y meters airpressure difference change,” as shown in FIG. 9 . For example, aninitial air pressure value may be set as the baseline (e.g., step 910).When the air pressure value changes, the method 900 may compare thechanged air pressure value against the baseline and calculate adifference (delta) value. If the difference value exceeds a certainthreshold value, then data from other sensors may be checked (e.g., instep 915, the method 900 checks the number of micro-switch/magneticfield sensor signals). This checking step may function like a judgmenttrigger. For example, if the height as measured by the air pressuresensor has changed over 1.5 meters with no change in the state of thehook gate sensor signal, then it may be judged that a worker hasviolated proper hook/lanyard safety rules. Once the method 900 has setthe baseline, it may compare the baseline against a (rapid) change inheight to determine whether the user is actually using the hook/lanyard.

FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary user moving conditiondecision tree. A moving condition decision tree 1000 begins with a step1005 of determining whether air-pressure and/or acceleration data haschanged more than a minimum amount at module C over a predeterminedperiod of time. If the air-pressure and/or acceleration data has changedmore than a minimum amount during a predetermined period of time, thenat step 1010 the worker is judged as being in a vertical moving state.Next, at step 1015, the open times of each rebar hook are recorded,along with the height change over time.

Next, at step 1020, it is determined whether the height has changed morethan a predetermined amount without a gate open signal. If the heighthas not changed more than a predetermined amount without a gate opensignal, then at step 1025 the worker is judged as using thehooks/lanyard properly. If the height has changed more than apredetermined amount without a gate open signal, then at step 1030 theworker is judged to be in violation of proper hook/lanyard usage rules.As a result, the module C will warn the worker of improper safetyprotocol, and if the worker does not rectify the improper safetyprotocol after a certain period of time, an alert signal will betransmitted to devices D and/or E.

If, at step 1005, the air-pressure and/or acceleration data has notchanged more a minimum amount at module C over a predetermined period oftime, then at step 1035 the worker is judged as being in a horizontalmoving state. Next, at step 1040, it is determined whether (1) theacceleration and/or speed of modules A/B/C is substantially the same(signifying that the hooks are being carried on the harness), or (2) theheight of A/B is less than the height of C. If the answer is “no,” thenat step 1045 the worker is judged as using the hooks/lanyard properly.If the answer is “yes,” (e.g., either (1) or (2) is true), then at step1050 the worker is judged to be in violation of proper hook/lanyardusage rules. As a result, the module C will warn the worker of impropersafety protocol, and if the worker does not rectify the improper safetyprotocol after a certain period of time, an alert signal will betransmitted to devices D and/or E. The phrase “substantially the same”in this context may mean a relative difference of about plus or minus1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or about at least 30% or more between theacceleration and/or speed of modules A/B/C.

An exemplary scenario of the steps laid out in FIG. 10 is as follows: Aworker on the ground begins to climb a tower to perform routinemaintenance. As the worker is scaling the tower, the air pressure and/orvertical acceleration/velocity data (as measured at module C) ischanging more than a certain amount over time. These measurementsindicate that a worker is in a vertical moving condition (e.g., theanswer at step 1005 is “yes”). At this point, the open times of thehooks coupled to the worker's safety harness are being recorded andlogged, along with the change in height of the worker (e.g., as measuredby the air pressure sensor in module C). As the worker is scaling aladder on the tower, the worker successively attaches the hooks atpoints above the worker's center of gravity. As such, the open times ofthe hooks are occurring with a relatively high frequency as the workersheight increases. These frequent open hook times indicate that theworker is properly using the hooks as the worker climbs up the tower(e.g., the answer at step 1020 is “no”).

After the worker reaches a certain height, the worker stops theirvertical movement and start moving horizontally. In this horizontalmoving state, the air pressure and/or vertical acceleration/velocitydata (as measured at module C) changes a very small amount (e.g., closeto zero) over time. These measurements indicate that a worker is in ahorizontal moving condition (e.g., the answer at step 1005 is “no”).Now, because the worker is in a hurry, the worker hooks the rebar hooksto their safety harness and moves horizontally without attaching thehooks to anchor points supported by the tower. Because the rebar hooksare hooked to the worker and not to an anchor point, the acceleration ofmodules A and B on the rebar hooks is nearly equal to the accelerationof module C on the worker's safety harness. These measurement indicatethat a worker is not properly using the hook/lanyard (e.g., the answerat step 1040 is “yes”). As a result, an alert element in module C (e.g.,a buzzer) will warn the worker that the worker is not using propersafety protocol. As the worker is still in a hurry, the worker decidesto ignore the warning, and after a certain period of time, module Ctransmits an alert signal to the worker's supervisor (e.g., to thedevice D being used by the supervisor).

After the worker is done performing maintenance, the worker beginsdescending down the tower. As the worker is descending, the air pressureand/or vertical acceleration data (as measured at module C) is changingmore than a certain amount over time. These measurements indicate that aworker is in a vertical moving condition (e.g., the answer at step 1005is “yes”). At this point, the open times of the hooks coupled to theworker's safety harness are recorded and logged, along with the changein height of the worker (e.g., as measured by the air pressure sensor inmodule C). Because the worker is still in a hurry, the worker decides toleave their hooks hooked to their safety harness.

As the worker descends, there are no open times of the hook recorded, asthe worker has decided to throw caution to the wind and not to couplethe hooks to anchor points as the worker descends. As such, the opentimes of the hooks are occurring with zero frequency as the workersheight decreases. The lack of open hook times indicate that the workeris not properly using the hooks as the worker descends down the tower(e.g., the answer at step 1020 is “yes”). As a result, an alert elementin module C (e.g., a buzzer) will warn the worker that the worker is notusing proper safety protocol. At this point, the worker decides to heedthe warning, and begins to anchor the hooks as the worker descends downthe tower. Because the worker's status has changed at this point (e.g.,open times of the hooks are occurring with a high enough frequency), thealert element in module C turns off, and the worker's supervisor doesnot receive an alert signal (as the worker has rectified the improperhook/lanyard usage).

FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary user fall decision tree. Thefall decision tree 1100 starts with determining at step 1105 whether theacceleration in the z-axis of module C jumps to substantially g=9.8 m/s²over a certain period of time. If the acceleration in the z-axis ofmodule C does not jump to g=9.8 m/s² over a certain period of time, thenat step 1110 the acceleration in the z-axis of module C continues to bemonitored. The phrase “substantially” in this context may mean that theacceleration in the z-axis of module C is plus or minus 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%,20%, or 30% the actual value of g.

If the acceleration in the z-axis of module C does jump to substantiallyg=9.8 m/s² over a certain period of time, then at step 1115 the workeris judged to have fallen. The module C will then send out a “worker hasfallen” signal to devices D and/or E. Next, at step 1120, the devices Dand/or E will transmit the “worker has fallen” signal to the cloud foremergency contact. Next, at step 1125, a warning will be activated onmodule C and/or devices D or E to remind an onsite person that a fallhas taken place. Next, at step 1130, the serial number of modules A, B,C, and/or device D and/or the GPS coordinates of module C aretransmitted to the cloud and/or emergency contacts to communicate theexact position of the fallen worker.

In some examples, the order of the steps described in FIG. 11 may beperformed in a different order, and some steps may be optional. Forexample, step 1130 may occur before step 1125. In various embodiments,the “worker has fallen” signal may only be sent to device D and/or E andnot to the cloud (e.g., step 1120 may be left out).

In various embodiments, after the worker is arrested by an energyabsorber after falling, the worker may swing in the air (e.g.,oscillating pendulum motion 825, shown in FIG. 8 ). As such, theacceleration, speed, and angle of the acceleration sensor in module Cwill exhibit periodic properties, which may be used to judge that theworker has fallen and is suspended in the air by a lanyard connected atan anchor point. Such swinging motion may be used to determine whether aworker has fallen in step 1105.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary smart hook system, anexemplary smart safety harness system, and an exemplary supervisorymonitoring system. A safety system 1200 includes a smart hook system1205. Each rebar hook (e.g., hook modules A and B) may have at leastsome of the components of the smart hook system 1205. The smart hooksystem 1205 includes a controller (e.g., processor), non-volatile memory(NVM), random access memory (RAM), an input/output interface (I/F), agate sensor (e.g., micro-switch, magnetic field sensor), an accelerationsensor (e.g., accelerometer), and a power source.

The gate sensor of 1205 may detect various parameters associated withthe gate of the rebar hook. For example, a micro-switch or magneticfield sensor may be used to detect opening and closing of the rebarhook. The acceleration sensor of 1205 may detect the acceleration of therebar hook, which may indirectly be used to calculate the velocity andheight changes of the rebar hook as well. The data readings from thegate sensor and acceleration sensor of 1205 are communicated to thecontroller of 1205, which may perform various processing functions tothe data readings. For example, the controller of 1205 may performstatistical filtering of the data to remove outliers from accelerationreadings. The NVM of 1205 contains program instructions (e.g., P1, P2)that may be executed by the controller of 1205. The controller of 1205sends the data readings from the sensors to the I/F of 1205, whichwirelessly transmits the data readings (e.g., to module C) via atransmitter of 1205.

In some examples, the smart hook system 1205 may not include acontroller, RAM, or NVM. In such examples, the measurements made by thesensor and acceleration sensor of 1205 may be transmitted directly tomodule C without being processed locally at 1205.

The safety system 1200 further includes a smart safety harness system1210. The module C may have at least some of the components of the smartsafety harness system 1210. The smart safety harness system 1210includes a controller (e.g., processor), non-volatile memory (NVM),random access memory (RAM), at least one input/output interface (I/F),an air pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor (e.g., accelerometer),output, and a power source.

At least one I/F of 1210 may receive signals transmitted from the I/F of1205. This may allow the controller of 1210 to perform variouscalculations with both the sensor readings of 1205 and the sensorreadings of 1210. For example, the acceleration data measured at 1205may be compared to the acceleration data measured at 1210 to determinewhether a rebar hook is connected to an anchor point or whether therebar hook is hooked to a worker's safety harness (see, e.g., step 1040in FIG. 10 ).

The NVM of 1210 contains program instructions (e.g., P1, P2) that may beexecuted by the controller of 1210. The NVM of 1210 may containinstructions that allow the controller of 1210 to perform operationscorresponding to the steps in FIGS. 9-11 . For example, the NVM of 1210may have instructions that may be used to perform various calculationswith the sensor readings of 1205 and/or the sensor readings of 1210. TheNVM of 1210 may also include thresholds (e.g., time, height,acceleration threshold) that may be used to determine whether toactivate an alarm or send a warning signal. For example, the NVM of 1210may have instructions that, when executed by the controller of 1210,determine whether the acceleration in the z-axis of module C jumps tog=9.8 m/s² over a threshold time period (see, e.g., step 1105 in FIG. 11). If this occurs, then the controller of 1210 may send out an alertsignal to a worker's supervisor (e.g., via the at least one I/F of 1210)apprising them that the worker has fallen.

The safety system 1200 further includes a supervisory monitoring system1215. The device D may have at least some of the components of thesupervisory monitoring system 1215. The supervisory monitoring system1215 includes a processor, non-volatile memory (NVM), random accessmemory (RAM), an input/output interface (I/F), and a power source.

At least one I/F of 1215 may receive signals transmitted from the I/F of1210. This may allow the processor of 1215 to perform variouscalculations with both the sensor readings of 1205 and the sensorreadings of 1210. For example, the acceleration data and hook open timesmeasured at 1205 may be used by the processor of 1215 to determinewhether the height of the hooks has changed more than a given distancewithout a gate open signal (see, e.g., step 1020 in FIG. 10 ).

The NVM of 1215 contains program instructions (e.g., P1, P2) that may beexecuted by the processor of 1215. The NVM of 1215 may containinstructions that allow the processor of 1215 to perform operationscorresponding to the steps in FIGS. 9-11 . For example, the NVM of 1215may have instructions that may be used to perform various calculationswith the sensor readings of 1205 and/or the sensor readings of 1210. TheNVM of 1215 may also include thresholds (e.g., time, height,acceleration threshold) that may be used to determine whether toactivate an alarm or send a warning signal. For example, the NVM of 1215may have instructions that, when executed by the processor of 1215,determine whether the acceleration in the z-axis of module C jumps tog=9.8 m/s² over a threshold time period (see, e.g., step 1105 in FIG. 11). If this occurs, then the processor of 1215 may send out an alertsignal to a cloud system and/or emergency contacts apprising them thatthe worker has fallen.

The supervisory monitoring system 1215 may be coupled to a supervisordevice 1220. Data, alerts, warnings, and other information transmittedfrom the supervisory monitoring system 1215 may be output to thesupervisor device 1220. Furthermore, the supervisory monitoring system1215 and/or supervisor device 1220 may send information to a cloudsystem and/or emergency contacts. In some examples, the supervisorymonitoring system and supervisor computing device are one and the same.For example, the supervisor device 1220 may be a smartphone or laptopthat includes the components of the supervisory monitoring system 1215.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary fall protection andsafety monitoring engine. A fall protection and safety monitoring system1300 includes a fall protection and safety monitoring engine 1305. Thefall protection and safety monitoring engine 1305 includes a processor,NVM, RAM, an event processing engine, a data logging engine, and an I/F.The I/F is communicatively coupled to multiple databases 1310, as wellas health and safety contacts 1315.

In some examples, the fall protection and safety monitoring engine 1305may be located in the cloud system corresponding to element 150 in FIG.1 , element 315 in FIG. 3 , or element 735 in FIG. 7 . For example, thefall protection and safety monitoring engine 1305 may receive data fromdevices D and/or E, and may log this data using the data logging engine.The event processing engine may be configured to receive event data(e.g., alerts, warnings) from devices D and/or E, and may respond tothese events in specific ways. For example, if a “worker has fallen”alert is received at the fall protection and safety monitoring engine1305, the event processing engine may send a “worker has fallen”notification to the health and safety contacts 1315. The notificationmay include, among other things, the location of the fallen worker, timeof fall, sensor data, and/or worker health profile.

The multiple databases 1310 include a personal protective equipment(PPE) database, a personnel database, a safety violation database, and ahealth and safety database. The personal protection equipment databasemay include data pertaining to the PPEs deployed out in the field. Forexample, the PPE database may contain information about how long a PPEdevice has been deployed out in the field, whether a PPE device has beenassociated with any past safety issues, and/or the make/model of a PPEdevice. The personnel database may include data pertaining to the safetyworkers. For example, the personnel database may contain the names,phone numbers, addresses, and/or health profile of workers deployed inthe field. The safety violation database may include data pertaining topast safety violations committed by safety workers. For example, thesafety violation database may contain the number of safety violationscommitted by a worker, the nature of the safety violation, and/or thedates on which the safety violations occurred. The health and safetydatabase may include data that may broadly relate to the health andsafety of workers.

The health and safety contacts 1315 include rescue contacts,headquarters, first aid, supervisor, and/or teammates. Whenever a workerhas an accident on site (e.g., when a worker has fallen), the fallprotection and safety monitoring engine 1305 may alert the health andsafety contacts 1315 of the accident. The health and safety contacts1315 may then respond accordingly (e.g., by sending an ambulance orrescue helicopter to the site, or deploying team members to retrieve thefallen worker).

Although various embodiments have been described with reference to thefigures, other embodiments are possible. For example, the output elementin module C (FIG. 12 at 1210) may be a buzzer that may vibrate when analert condition is met. The output element may be a speaker that mayreceive audio signals from a supervisor talking into the device D. Theoutput element may be an audible alarm that makes an alarm noise when analert condition is met.

In some examples, a smart hook system may generate a reminder toproperly use the smart hook. The smart hook system may also monitor auser to ensure correct operation. In some examples, the smart hooksystem may include various electronic components, a software application(APP), and remote control. The smart hook system may help to avoid thedangers of people not correctly using a hook and lanyard. For example,it is very dangerous to not use a hook and lanyard when a person isclimbing up to a high place. Because it decreases the ascend/descendspeed, people may not use the hook and lanyard. The smart hook systemmay provide a strong incentive for a person to properly use a hook andlanyard.

In some examples, only one rebar hook may be employed (e.g., a safetyharness using a single lanyard and hook rather than a double lanyard andhook; see, e.g., FIG. 8 ). In various embodiments, the processing ofdata may take place at different locations. For example, data may bepre-processed at the hook modules A and B (e.g., element 1205, FIG. 12). This may allow for less computational power at other data processinglocations. Data may be processed at module C (e.g., element 1210, FIG.12 ). This may allow for modules A and B to still perform their functionwithout a processor/RAM/NVM. Data may be processed at a remote computingdevice (e.g., device D, element 1215, FIG. 12 ). This may allow for thebulk of processing power to be employed at a location remote from afield-deployed worker. Data may be processed in the cloud system (e.g.,safety monitoring engine 1305, FIG. 13 , element 150 in FIG. 1 , element315 in FIG. 3 , or element 735 in FIG. 7 ). This may allow for trackingthe activities of multiple workers deployed at different locations.

Some aspects of embodiments may be implemented as a computer system. Forexample, various implementations may include digital and/or analogcircuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, or combinationsthereof. Apparatus elements can be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in amachine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmableprocessor; and methods can be performed by a programmable processorexecuting a program of instructions to perform functions of variousembodiments by operating on input data and generating an output. Someembodiments may be implemented advantageously in one or more computerprograms that are executable on a programmable system including at leastone programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructionsfrom, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system,at least one input device, and/or at least one output device. A computerprogram is a set of instructions that can be used, directly orindirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about acertain result. A computer program can be written in any form ofprogramming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, andit can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or asa module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in acomputing environment.

Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructionsinclude, by way of example and not limitation, both general and specialpurpose microprocessors, which may include a single processor or one ofmultiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor willreceive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-accessmemory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor forexecuting instructions and one or more memories for storing instructionsand data. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computerprogram instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory,including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, such asEPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such asinternal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and,CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can besupplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specificintegrated circuits). In some embodiments, the processor and the membercan be supplemented by, or incorporated in hardware programmabledevices, such as FPGAs, for example.

In some implementations, each system may be programmed with the same orsimilar information and/or initialized with substantially identicalinformation stored in volatile and/or non-volatile memory. For example,one data interface may be configured to perform auto configuration, autodownload, and/or auto update functions when coupled to an appropriatehost device, such as a desktop computer or a server.

In some implementations, one or more user-interface features may becustom configured to perform specific functions. An exemplary embodimentmay be implemented in a computer system that includes a graphical userinterface and/or an Internet browser. To provide for interaction with auser, some implementations may be implemented on a computer having adisplay device, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor fordisplaying information to the user, a keyboard, and a pointing device,such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input tothe computer.

In various implementations, the system may communicate using suitablecommunication methods, equipment, and techniques. For example, thesystem may communicate with compatible devices (e.g., devices capable oftransferring data to and/or from the system) using point-to-pointcommunication in which a message is transported directly from a sourceto a receiver over a dedicated physical link (e.g., fiber optic link,infrared link, ultrasonic link, point-to-point wiring, daisy-chain). Thecomponents of the system may exchange information by any form or mediumof analog or digital data communication, including packet-based messageson a communication network. Examples of communication networks include,e.g., a LAN (local area network), a WAN (wide area network), MAN(metropolitan area network), wireless and/or optical networks, and thecomputers and networks forming the Internet. Other implementations maytransport messages by broadcasting to all or substantially all devicesthat are coupled together by a communication network, for example, byusing omni-directional radio frequency (RF) signals. Still otherimplementations may transport messages characterized by highdirectivity, such as RF signals transmitted using directional (i.e.,narrow beam) antennas or infrared signals that may optionally be usedwith focusing optics. Still other implementations are possible usingappropriate interfaces and protocols such as, by way of example and notintended to be limiting, USB 2.0, FireWire, ATA/IDE, RS-232, RS-422,RS-485, 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi, WiFi-Direct, Li-Fi, BlueTooth, Ethernet,IrDA, FDDI (fiber distributed data interface), token-ring networks, ormultiplexing techniques based on frequency, time, or code division. Someimplementations may optionally incorporate features such as errorchecking and correction (ECC) for data integrity, or security measures,such as encryption (e.g., WEP) and password protection.

In various embodiments, a computer system may include non-transitorymemory. The memory may be connected to the one or more processors may beconfigured for encoding data and computer readable instructions,including processor executable program instructions. The data andcomputer readable instructions may be accessible to the one or moreprocessors. The processor executable program instructions, when executedby the one or more processors, may cause the one or more processors toperform various operations.

In various embodiments, the computer system may include Internet ofThings (IoT) devices. IoT devices may include objects embedded withelectronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivitywhich enable these objects to collect and exchange data. IoT devices maybe in-use with wired or wireless devices by sending data through aninterface to another device. IoT devices may collect useful data andthen autonomously flow the data between other devices.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modification may be made. For example,advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosedtechniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components ofthe disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if thecomponents were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A safety monitoring apparatus comprising: amonitoring module configured to couple to a safety harness, themonitoring module comprising: a main acceleration sensor; an airpressure sensor; a controller coupled to the main acceleration sensorand configured to receive sensor readings from the main accelerationsensor, the controller also coupled to the air pressure sensor andconfigured to receive sensor readings from the air pressure sensor; areceiver coupled to the controller; a first rebar hook configured tocouple to a distal end of a lanyard, the lanyard being configured tocouple at a proximal end to the safety harness, the first rebar hookcomprising: a first acceleration sensor; a first hook sensor configuredto detect an open-closed state of the first rebar hook, the first hooksensor comprising a magnetic field sensor; a first rebar hooktransmitter coupled to the first acceleration sensor and first hooksensor, the first rebar hook transmitter being configured to transmitsensor readings from the first acceleration sensor and the first hooksensor to the receiver of the monitoring module; and a first magneticfield generator that cooperates with the first hook sensor to detect theopen-closed state of the first rebar hook, the monitoring module furthercomprising: a main transmitter coupled to the controller and configuredto transmit signals to a remote computing device.
 2. The safetymonitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field sensorcomprises a Hall-effect sensor.
 3. The safety monitoring apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the monitoring module further comprises anon-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that,when executed, cause the controller to perform operations comprising:determining whether vertical sensor readings from the main accelerationsensor have changed more than a minimum amount over a predeterminedperiod of time; in an instance in which the sensor readings from themain acceleration sensor have changed more than a minimum amount over apredetermined period of time, then assuming that a worker wearing thesafety harness is in a vertical moving position; recording the changesin the open-closed states of the first hook sensor over a time span;determining whether a change in height as measured by the air pressuresensor has changed by more than a threshold height amount over the timespan; and in an instance in which the change in height as measured bythe air pressure sensor has changed by more than a threshold heightamount over the time span, then generating a violation signal indicativeof the worker improperly using the first rebar hook.
 4. The safetymonitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the monitoring module furthercomprises a non-transitory computer readable medium containinginstructions that, when executed, cause the controller to performoperations comprising: determining whether vertical sensor readings fromthe main acceleration sensor have changed more than a minimum amountover a predetermined period of time; in an instance in which the sensorreadings from the main acceleration sensor have not changed more than aminimum amount over a predetermined period of time, then assuming that aworker wearing the safety harness is in a horizontal moving position;determining whether an acceleration reading of the main accelerationsensor is substantially the same as an acceleration reading of the firstacceleration sensor; and in an instance in which an acceleration readingof the main acceleration sensor is substantially the same as anacceleration reading of the first acceleration sensor, then generating aviolation signal indicative of the worker improperly using the firstrebar hook.
 5. The safety monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein themonitoring module further comprises a non-transitory computer readablemedium containing instructions that, when executed, cause the controllerto perform operations comprising: determining whether the verticalsensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have beensubstantially equal to a local gravitational acceleration for more thana predetermined period of time; in an instance in which the verticalsensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have beensubstantially equal to a local gravitational acceleration for more thana predetermined period of time, then assuming that a worker wearing thesafety harness has fallen; and transmitting to the remote computingdevice, via the main transmitter, an alert signal indicating that theworker wearing the safety harness has fallen.
 6. The safety monitoringapparatus of claim 1, wherein the main transmitter is configured towirelessly transmit the sensor readings from the main accelerationsensor, the first acceleration sensor, and the first hook sensor to theremote computing device.
 7. The safety monitoring apparatus of claim 6,wherein the main transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmitsignals to the remote computing device via a radio frequency channel. 8.The safety monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first rebar hooktransmitter is configured to transmit sensor readings from the firstacceleration sensor and first hook sensor to the receiver of themonitoring module via a Bluetooth wireless channel.
 9. A safetymonitoring apparatus comprising: a monitoring module configured tocouple to a safety harness, the monitoring module comprising: a mainacceleration sensor; a controller coupled to the main accelerationsensor and configured to receive sensor readings from the mainacceleration sensor; a receiver coupled to the controller; and a firstrebar hook configured to couple to a distal end of a lanyard, thelanyard being configured to couple at a proximal end to the safetyharness, the first rebar hook comprising: a first acceleration sensor; afirst hook sensor configured to detect an open-closed state of the firstrebar hook, the first hook sensor comprising a magnetic field sensor; afirst rebar hook transmitter coupled to the first acceleration sensorand first hook sensor, the first rebar hook transmitter configured totransmit sensor readings from the first acceleration sensor and thefirst hook sensor to the receiver of the monitoring module; and a firstmagnetic field generator that cooperates with the first hook sensor todetect the open-closed state of the first rebar hook, the monitoringmodule further comprising: a main transmitter coupled to the controllerand configured to transmit signals to a remote computing device.
 10. Thesafety monitoring apparatus of claim 9, wherein the magnetic fieldsensor comprises a Hall-effect sensor.
 11. The safety monitoringapparatus of claim 9, wherein the main transmitter is configured towirelessly transmit the sensor readings from the main accelerationsensor, the first acceleration sensor, and the first hook sensor to theremote computing device.
 12. The safety monitoring apparatus of claim11, wherein the main transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmitsignals to the remote computing device via a radio frequency channel.13. The safety monitoring apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first rebarhook transmitter is configured to transmit sensor readings from thefirst acceleration sensor and first hook sensor to the receiver of themonitoring module via a Bluetooth wireless channel.
 14. A safetymonitoring apparatus comprising: a monitoring module configured tocouple to a safety harness, the monitoring module comprising: a mainacceleration sensor; a controller coupled to the main accelerationsensor and configured to receive sensor readings from the mainacceleration sensor; a receiver coupled to the controller; a rebar hookconfigured to couple to a distal end of a lanyard, the lanyard beingconfigured to couple at a proximal end to the safety harness, the rebarhook comprising: a rebar hook acceleration sensor; a rebar hook sensorconfigured to detect an open-closed state of the rebar hook, the rebarhook sensor comprising a magnetic field sensor; a rebar hook transmittercoupled to the rebar hook acceleration sensor, the rebar hooktransmitter being configured to transmit sensor readings from the rebarhook acceleration sensor to the receiver of the monitoring module, therebar hook transmitter also being configured to transmit the open-closedstate of the rebar hook to the receiver of the monitoring module; and amagnetic field generator that cooperates with the rebar hook sensor todetect the open-closed state of the rebar hook, the monitoring modulefurther comprising: a main transmitter coupled to the controller andconfigured to transmit signals to a remote computing device.
 15. Thesafety monitoring apparatus of claim 14, wherein the main transmitter isconfigured to wirelessly transmit signals to the remote computing devicevia a radio frequency channel.
 16. The safety monitoring apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a Hall-effectsensor.
 17. The safety monitoring apparatus of claim 14, wherein themonitoring module further comprises a non-transitory computer readablemedium containing instructions that, when executed, cause the controllerto perform operations comprising: determining whether vertical sensorreadings from the main acceleration sensor have changed more than aminimum amount over a predetermined period of time; in an instance inwhich the sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have changedmore than a minimum amount over a predetermined period of time, assumingthat a worker wearing the safety harness is in a vertical movingposition; recording the changes in the open-closed states of the rebarhook sensor over a time span; determining whether a change in height asmeasured by the air pressure sensor has changed by more than a thresholdheight amount over the time span; and in an instance in which the changein height as measured by the air pressure sensor has changed by morethan the threshold height amount over the time span, generating aviolation signal indicative of the worker improperly using the rebarhook.
 18. The safety monitoring apparatus of claim 14, wherein themonitoring module further comprises a non-transitory computer readablemedium containing instructions that, when executed, cause the controllerto perform operations comprising: determining whether vertical sensorreadings from the main acceleration sensor have changed more than aminimum amount over a predetermined period of time; in an instance inwhich the sensor readings from the main acceleration sensor have notchanged more than a minimum amount over a predetermined period of time,then assuming that a worker wearing the safety harness is in ahorizontal moving position; determining whether an acceleration readingof the main acceleration sensor is substantially the same as anacceleration reading of the rebar hook acceleration sensor; and in aninstance in which an acceleration reading of the main accelerationsensor is substantially the same as an acceleration reading of the rebarhook acceleration sensor, then generating a violation signal indicativeof the worker improperly using the rebar hook.
 19. The safety monitoringapparatus of claim 14, wherein the monitoring module further comprises anon-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that,when executed, cause the controller to perform operations comprising:determining whether the vertical sensor readings from the mainacceleration sensor have been substantially equal to a localgravitational acceleration for more than a predetermined period of time;in an instance in which the vertical sensor readings from the mainacceleration sensor have been substantially equal to a localgravitational acceleration for more than a predetermined period of time,assuming that a worker wearing the safety harness has fallen; andtransmitting to the remote computing device, via the main transmitter,an alert signal indicating that the worker wearing the safety harnesshas fallen.
 20. The safety monitoring apparatus of claim 14, wherein themain transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the sensorreadings from the main acceleration sensor, the rebar hook accelerationsensor, and the rebar hook sensor to the remote computing device.